from Supervising PhD Students: A Practical Guide and Toolkit A Book by Hugh Kearns and John Finn

1. Understands the qualities associated with doctoral level research in their discipline, and communicates these to the PhD student
2. Gives time and thought to the selection and acceptance of students for PhD research
3. Establishes a good working relationship with the student
4. Clarifies expectations throughout the PhD
5. Inspires and motivates the PhD student
6. Supports the conceptual development of the research
7. Guides the timing and sequencing of project activities
8. Monitors research activities to ensure timely completion
9. Supports the student through institutional processes for monitoring progress and reporting
10. Provides constructive and timely feedback
11. Identifies and deals with potential conflicts and difficult situations (academic and personal)
12. Ensures that the research is of publishable quality
13. Anticipates problems and assists the PhD student’s adaptation of their research to cope with problems and challenges
14. Advises, and enforces where necessary, the academic and research standards of the PhD research
15. Encourages and advises the PhD student on appropriate professional development
16. Encourages the PhD student to have an appropriate work-life balance
17. Assists the PhD student with their preparation of the thesis and for the viva
18. Actively guides the PhD student’s preparation for their post-PhD career
19. Is aware of and responds to the changing relationship with the PhD student over time, and especially the balance between structure and independence
20. Gives sufficient time to these responsibilities
21. Invests time in their own professional development as a PhD supervisor